Local residents attend iconic night concert

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Ethan Frost and his dad, Floyd, of China, attended his first concert. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

July 26, 2024 brought beautiful summer weather along with an outstanding concert featuring Godsmack, Nothing More, and special guests Flat Black. The Maine Savings Amphitheater and the Bangor Waterfront set an exceptional stage for this iconic night.

The opening band was Flat Black who is led by ex-Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook. The audience came alive immediately for Wrex Horton’s vocals. The band had Rob Pierce on drums, Nick Diltz on bass and Hook on guitar. It was just what was needed to open the door for what was to come.

Nothing More took that baton and started running. Jonny Hawkins lit up the stage with vocals and drumming. Alongside him were band members Mark Vollelunga on guitar, Ben Anderson on drums and Daniel Oliver on drums. Some of the highlighted songs to match their impressive lighting and stage effects were: If It Doesn’t Hurt, Go to War, and the emotionally charged “Jenny.”

The crowd was now primed and ready for the main event. That beat started and Bangor Waterfront knew what was coming as they led with When Legends Rise. The undeniable presence of Godsmack, led by Sully Erna was just what the rock n’ roll fans came to see. Captivated by the stage presence and signature sounds of the vocals, concert goers young and old were on their feet and enthralled in the moment. They were rocking out to the timeless hits such as Awake, Voodoo, and Bulletproof. The night had it all including a memorable drum battle but really hit a high with I Stand Alone. The fans were cheering for an encore as to not let this moment end.

The Scars Foundation has been established by Sully Erna, of Godsmack, to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today. With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens. https://www.scarsfoundation.org.

Erica Clapperton, of Fairfield, said “Godsmack had a palpable impact on the audience. It’s music you can touch and feel. The emotion of the music is felt deeply, and we left the concert looking forward to the next time. Godsmack has always put on an amazing show after seeing them multiple times I’m in awe everytime”. She captured what many felt in the theater that night, a sense of truly rocking and rolling all night with a raw infectious energy.

Lead singer, Sulley, announced that the Maine Savings Amphitheater has one of the top facilities in the country! The crowd responded similarly as young Ethan Frost, of China said, “it was just awesome.” This is Ethan’s first concert and it came to him as a special gift for his 16th birthday. He loves the band and was able to enjoy singing all of his favorite songs along side his father, Floyd.

July 26, 2024, was nothing short of amazing. From the opener all the way through to the headline, the energy was in epic proportions. From the staff, to the fans and the bands, everyone brought their “A” game and made for a memorable night for all.

EVENTS: St. Cecilia Chamber Choir holds auditions for December lessons and carols

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St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is holding auditions for all voice parts as they begin preparing the December Ceremony of Lessons and Carols concert. Drawing inspiration from the world-famous King’s College Cambridge Service of Lessons and Carols, the program blends carols both sacred and secular with seasonal readings, accompanied by a professional string quartet and performed in the beautiful Bowdoin College Chapel and Damariscotta Baptist Church.

St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is a fully-auditioned group of singers that includes talented youth and seasoned performers. They perform the very finest challenging choral repertoire spanning the centuries from medieval to modern, under the direction of husband-and-wife team Linda Blanchard and Sean Fleming, of Damariscotta. Much of the repertoire is a cappella, and are frequently accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra. They present two to three concerts per year, typically in December and May.

Singers wishing to audition should have good vocal control, and sopranos and altos should be able to sing without vibrato. The ability to read music is preferred, but those who cannot read may participate by spending extra time learning the music at home with the aid of provided practice materials.

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., starting on Wednesday, September 11, at St. Andrew’s Church, on Glidden Street, in Newcastle. To schedule an audition, call Linda Blanchard at 207-315-9740 or email audition@ceciliachoir.org. For more information about the choir, please visit their website at ceciliachoir.org.

PHOTO: Boat inspectors do a great job

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Sheepscot Lake’s Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program was very successful again this year. A huge thank you to 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspectors Sorrel Vinci and Reid Sutter. Thanks to their hard work Sheepscot Lake remains healthy and free from invasive plants. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: Spectacular laser show & concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

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photo from: foodpantries.org

The Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Cost is $39 per vehicle. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance is strongly suggested.

Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clintonlasers2, or call (608) 701-6114.

This summer’s event will be a double-feature. The pop laser show, which features top 40 hits from the ’70s through today, will start at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. Following a short intermission, the classic rock show will start at 9 p.m. The classic rock show will feature some of the biggest rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s.

Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)

Can’t attend? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert, but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

KPAC introduces new director

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John Neal

Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) has announced the start of its 2024-2025 season under its new director. John Neal, of Greene, was selected to lead the wind ensemble and chorus following the retirement of longtime director Charles T. Milazzo. Neal has had a long career in Maine as a music director, pianist, and composer. John Reeves will continue as interim director of the jazz band as the search for a permanent conductor continues.

With over a hundred musicians, Kennebec Performing Arts Company provides one of few opportunities in the central Maine area for amateur and professional musicians and talented high school students to perform with a large group. A nonprofit organization supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation, KPAC presents five free performances over the course of its concert season.

Chorus rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 26, and rehearsals for the jazz band and wind ensemble will start on Tuesday, September 3. Throughout the season, the chorus meets at Hope Baptist Church, in Manchester, on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The jazz band and wind ensemble rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Cony High School, in Augusta – jazz band at 5:45 p.m., followed by wind ensemble from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

KPAC welcomes new members. For more information, contact John Neal at 207-946-7789 or email jandrneal@aol.com.

Waterville troop scout earns Eagle rank

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Sarah Harriet Benn, Isaac’s mom, affixes the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. This medal was first presented to Isaac’s father when he made Eagle in 1987 in Troop #436. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Isaac Benn, of Westbrook, son of Shawn and Sarah Benn, reached the highest peak in Scouting – the Eagle Scout rank – during a Troop #436 court of honor held Sunday, June 2, at the Waterville Lodge #33 A.F. & A.M. The ceremony was led by Colby College Professor Bruce Rueger who was Scoutmaster of the same Troop in 1987 when Isaac’s father received his Eagle Scout award.

“I am super proud of Isaac,” Shawn Benn said after administering the Eagle Scout Charge and watching as his wife pinned Isaac with the same Eagle Scout medal Shawn received in 1987.

Rueger explained that the distance between Waterville and Westbrook was a challenge but much of his time in the troop took place during Covid-19 and the troop held virtual meetings anyway. “During camping trips we would all meet at the place we were going so it all worked out,” he said. Shawn Benn said, “I am so very glad we came back to Troop #436 during Covid so my boys can see what Scouting was like for me.”

According to Rueger, each Eagle Scout must complete a significant project to better their community. “Isaac’s project was the restoration of the Johnson Cemetery on County Road in Westbrook. He led a team that made a new sign, raked and pruned and cleaned up the grounds, and washed headstones so the names of those buried could be more easily read.” His mother, Sarah, pointed out they even found a forgotten child’s headstone under a pile of decaying leaves. This effort has received praise from the Westbrook Historical Society.

Isaac has turned 18 but completed all requirements prior to his 18th birthday. He is registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #436 and will be going into his sophmore year at the University of Southern Maine, in September.

PHOTO: Beautiful flowers, beautiful day

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Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, snapped these peonies at Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro.

CORRECTION: In the print edition, this photo was incorrectly credited to Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, in the print edition, instead of Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro. We apologize for the error.

Madison Auxiliary to tend booth during Madison/Anson Days

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The theme this year is “Flashback to the 70s”.

Collect school supplies for MSAD #59 and RSU #74; to hold fundraising raffle

American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison, will have a booth on Saturday, August 24, near the Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Madison, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., during Madison/Anson Days celebration. They will be selling RADA cutlery, American Pride bracelets, collecting school supplies for students in MSAD #59 and RSU #74, handing out information pamphlets regarding the American Legion Auxiliary.

There will also be a raffle. The winner will win the following: a Madison Historical Throw (60” x 50”), black metal Eagle cutout decoration, Americana Quilt (86” x 86”) and a beautiful wreath (red, white and blue). Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available now by contacting an auxiliary member or mail check payable to Madison ALA, earmarked “Raffle” and mail to Madison ALA, P.O. Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.

Palermo community foundation nets $1,970 at fundraiser barbecue

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Murielle DiBiasi and Ann Sears kick up their heels as Anthony Semenovich plays guitar. (contributed photo)

The August 3 Community Cookout wasn’t just delicious, it was great fun! Anthony Semenovich played his violin and guitar, inspiring some to dance along in the grass, as people finished their desserts and relaxed under the canopies and in the grape arbor. “I saw people scooping up the last crumbs of cornbread from the giant pan,” laughed Phil White Hawk as he helped himself to more pulled pork. Michael O’Brien and his daughter Aubrey delighted the crowd with humorous comments as they drew the raffle prizes that ranged from gift certificates to an Echo trimmer donated by The Home Depot. Many local businesses contributed to the success of the cookout, including Hussey’s General Store, Lakeview Lumber, Bass Pro Shop, and B & B Septic. Ann Sears collected many personal donations of gift cards, handmade items, and tools. There were a couple of anonymous donors as well, whose support is greatly appreciated.

The Living Communities Foundation sponsors the Palermo Community Garden, where the party took place, and next-door neighbor Mark Evasius kindly lent the use of part of his back yard for a parking area. It was a good thing he did, as it filled up quickly. The Community Garden helps to supply the food pantry with freshly-picked, organic produce. The back garden not only features the grape arbor, but also showcases interplanted herbs and vegetables in 15 raised beds. Master Gardener Connie Bellet likes to introduce colorful and unusual plants to expand the Maine diet. The Giant Kossack kohlrabi is a good example of a sweet and versatile vegetable not found in grocery stores. Another example is Mountain Red Orach, a burgundy spinach-like plant that grows to eight feet in height and is rich in anthocyanins. Both of these vegetables are offered at the food pantry, and visitors are welcome to take a tour of the garden. It is best to call Connie at 993-2294 to make sure she is around to give a tasting tour.

The Living Communities Foundation enthusiastically thanks all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to the income, the Foundation plans to resume some programs and add others, now that Covid is in the rearview mirror. Suggestions are welcome! Please give Connie a call or email her at pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

Guests enjoy barbecue in the Community Garden. (contributed photo)

Albion Eagle Scouts

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From left to right, Matix Ward, Nash Corson and Preston Roy, of Boy Scout Troop #446, in Albion, were each awarded the Eagle Scout rank in a ceremony held on July 5, 2024. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The town of Albion is celebrating its bicentennial this year with alumni gatherings, a frying pan throwing contest, parade, fun run and plenty of food. Among the festivities and pageantry, residents and guests are learning more about what makes their community special and of her rich history. A special ceremony honoring three young men who made Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, took place recently at the Albion Middle School to recognize Troop #446 Eagle Scouts Matix Ward, Preston Roy and Nash Corson. All three are Albion residents.

State Representative Scott Cyrway and Albion Selectmen Jason Dow and Michael Gardner praised the accomplishments of the trio. A slide show highlighting their camping and high adventure experiences captured the attention of all attendees. Lorna Ward was the guest piano accompanist. “I was very impressed,” Alissa Roy said. “It was a very nice ceremony.”

Each of the three Eagle hopefuls had to give leadership to a significant project to benefit the community. In March of this year, Nash organized a blood drive for the American Red Cross and coupled it with a food drive to benefit the Albion Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. “I wanted to help save lives by collecting blood,” Nash said. “My goal was to have 22 people come out. On the day of my drive, we had 46 donors come and collected 25 units of blood. We had so many people come to donate we had to schedule them for different blood drives as the Red Cross ran out of space to have them all that day. I extended my project to run throughout the month and …ended up having 15 more who donated on other days….I collected approx 60 items for my home town food pantry.”

In January, Matix led volunteers in building a picnic table and hiking trail for Thurston Park, in China. Preston, who completed his project in 2022, led a team to construct new side stairs for the Albion Public Library and revamped the wheelchair ramp as well.

Nash Corson is the son of Alyssa and Michael Corson, of Albion. Nash is 18 and in September will be going into his senior year at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and also his last year at Kennebec Valley Community College where he is working towards earning his welding certificate. His mother Alyssa said, “Having watched Nash grow and mature throughout his Scouting career, I can say that Scouting has benefited him immensely and he would not be the driven young man he is without the family and backbone that Scouting has given him.”

Preston, 17, is the son of Alissa and Chuck Roy, of Albion. In 2022, Preston shot a 232-pound, 10-point buck during Youth Deer Hunting Day introducing him to the “Biggest Bucks in Maine Club.” Preston is going into his senior year at Lawrence High School.

Matix is 19 and the son of Elizabeth and Matthew Ward, of Albion. He is going to be a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire where he is majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School.

“Matix gained leadership skills, a love for nature, lifelong friends, and a commitment to his community through Scouting,” Elizabeth Ward said. “Through volunteer work, Matix has shown a strong commitment to serving his hometown.”

The ceremony was held on July 5, 2024. While 2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of Albion, these three Eagles have helped shape her next two centuries.